<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
    xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
    xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
    xmlns:admin="http://webns.net/mvcb/"
    xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#"
    xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/">

    <channel>

    <title>Buddhism &amp; Meditation In Los Angeles</title>
    <link>http://www.meditateinla.org/</link>
    <description>Meditate In LA</description>
    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:rights>Copyright Buddhism &amp; Meditation In Los Angeles 2012</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2012-02-02T02:30:29+00:00</dc:date>
    <generator>Buddhism &amp; Meditation In Los Angeles http://meditateinla.org</generator>


    <item>
      <title>Wednesdays &#45; Silverlake</title>
      <link>http://www.meditateinla.org/classes/meditate-in-los-angeles</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Gen Kelsang Rigpa

	Meditations for a Kind Heart: The Healing Power of Love &amp; Compassion

	Wednesdays, 7:30&#45;9pm 
	4&#45;Week Course: Feb 1&#45;22

	American Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Rigpa will share simple meditations for cultivating and maintaining a peaceful mind and caring attitude towards the people in our lives.  As a result, we can transform all of our relationships, so they become more joyful, harmonious, and meaningful.

	
		Feb 1: A Kind Heart
	
		Feb 8: The Joy of Compassion
	
		Feb 15: Love Heals, Attachment Hurts
	
		Feb 22: Advice from the Heart


	Everyone is welcome; no previous experience of meditation is necessary.

	$12 per class.

	Join at any time

	 

	Kadampa Meditation Center California
	1492 Blake Ave.
	Los Angeles, CA 90031]]></description>
      <dc:date>2012-02-02T02:30:29+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Paz Interior</title>
      <link>http://www.meditateinla.org/classes/tercer-jueves</link>
      <description><![CDATA[con la maestra Budista Lina Garcia

	Cada tercer jueves del mes, 7:30&#45;8:30pm, $10

	
		19 de enero
	
		16 de febrero
	
		15 de marzo
	
		19 de abril
	
		17 de mayo
	
		21 de junio


	El prop&amp;oacute;sito de la meditaci&amp;oacute;n es de calmar y apaciguar nuestras mentes. Si nuestras mentes est&amp;aacute;n pac&amp;iacute;ficas, estaremos libres de preocupaciones e incomodidades mentales para relajarnos y sentir la felicidad actual. Estas clases le aportaran la oportunidad de aprender a meditar adem&amp;aacute;s de aprender a usar nuestra experiencia para que la meditaci&amp;oacute;n afecte positivamente nuestra vida cotidiana]]></description>
      <dc:date>2012-01-20T02:30:20+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>1st Thursdays</title>
      <link>http://www.meditateinla.org/classes/1st-thursdays</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Letting Go, Living in the Heart

	A Monthly Series Every 1st Thursday, 7:30&amp;ndash;9:00pm

	Our life is a precious possession. Through gaining insight into our own mind, we can learn how to overcome compulsive ways of thinking and acting, gradually realizing and fulfilling the real meaning and purpose of this human life. Each class consists of guided meditations, practical advice, and an opportunity for discussion.

	
		January 5 &#45; Opening the Heart: Love Cures Attachment
	
		February 2 &#45; The Trap of the Ego: Identifying the Source of Pain
	
		March 1 &#45; The Power of Imagination: Purifying the Causes of Attachment
	
		April 5 &#45; Expanding Compassion: Visualizing Healing for Others
	
		May 3 &#45; The Best Way to Be Happy is to Give Happiness to Others


	$12 per class.]]></description>
      <dc:date>2012-01-06T02:30:39+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Lunchtime Meditation</title>
      <link>http://www.meditateinla.org/classes/lunch-time-meditation-in-los-angeles</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. If our mind is peaceful, we will be free from worries and mental discomfort and experience true happiness and relaxation. These classes provide an opportunity to learn how to meditate and how to use our experience of meditation to positively affect all aspects of our daily life.

	No class on Monday, January 23, 2012 due to Silent Concentration Retreat

	Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays &#45;&amp;nbsp; Meditations for Peace of Mind
	Tuesday, Thursdays &#45; The Twenty&#45;One Meditations of Lamrim
	click to see monthly calendar
	&amp;nbsp;

	$8 per class, no need to pre&#45;register, just drop in.
	Stay after the class for a delicious vegetarian lunch for a nominal fee.

	Kadampa Meditation Center California
	1492 Blake Ave.
	Los Angeles, CA 90031]]></description>
      <dc:date>2011-12-01T19:00:41+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Daily Meditation Prayers (pujas)</title>
      <link>http://www.meditateinla.org/courses/daily-meditation-prayers-pujas</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Chanted Prayers &amp;amp; Meditation

	Chanted Meditations (Pujas) 

	If you enjoy meditating with others, chanted meditations are a great opportunity for you to engage in group meditation. These chanted meditations are also known in Sanskrit as &amp;quot;pujas&amp;quot;, meaning &amp;quot;offering&amp;quot;, or as &amp;quot;sadhanas&amp;quot;, which means &amp;quot;method for receiving attainments&amp;quot; (There is no cost associated with attending pujas) .
	click here to see extensive list of pujas with descriptive links
	
	Using ancient prayers translated into English, we receive the blessings, protection and guidance of the holy beings. We can make requests for ourselves or for others who need help or protection. These spiritual practices create a strong connection with the Buddhas, and help us purify our negativity and fill our mind with positive, healing energy. These meditations are open to everyone, though you might want to try one of the shorter ones first! People sit on chairs or on cushions on the floor. Pujas are open to everyone. However, it is generally helpful to attend&amp;nbsp; introductory meditation classes before attending these pujas.

	Wishfulfilling Jewel Chanted Prayers and Meditation

	The daily puja at KMC is Wishfulfilling Jewel, with a period of silence for meditation on Lamrim. &amp;nbsp;By relying upon this practice, we can purify negativity, accumulate merit, and receive blessings. &amp;nbsp;In this way, we will naturally accomplish all the realizations of the stages of the path and attain a very special Dharma wisdom. Please see our calendar for the days and times of our Heart Jewel Prayers.

	Wishfulfilling Jewel with Tsog Offerings

	This is a weekly puja at Kadampa Centers and everyone is welcome to join in with these chanted prayers and offerings. Read the descriptions below to learn more about the meaning of the prayers as well as the Tsog offering. Please see our calendar for the days and times of our Wishfulfilling Jewel Prayers.

	Wishfulfilling Jewel sadhana includes two practices revealed by the Wisdom Buddha Manjushri. The first is a special Guru yoga in which we visualize our Spiritual Guide as Je Tsongkhapa, who himself is a manifestation of Manjushri. By relying upon this practice, we can purify negativity, accumulate merit, and receive blessings. In this way, we shall naturally accomplish all the realizations of the stages of the path of Sutra and Tantra, and in particular we shall attain a very special Dharma wisdom.

	The second practice is a method for relying upon the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugd&amp;auml;n. Through this, we can overcome obstacles to our practice and create favourable conditions so that we can nurture and increase our Dharma realizations. If we rely upon the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugd&amp;auml;n sincerely, our faith in Je Tsongkhapa will naturally increase and we shall easily gain experience of the pure Buddhadharma transmitted directly to Je Tsongkhapa by the Wisdom Buddha Manjushri.

	These two practices are the very essence of the New Kadampa Tradition of Mahayana Buddhism. If we practise them regularly and sincerely, we shall reap a rich harvest of pure Dharma realizations, and eventually come to experience the supreme joy of full enlightenment. An extensive explanation of this sadhana can be found in the book Heart Jewel, by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

	Tsog Pujas

	Tsog&amp;rsquo; means &amp;lsquo;collection&amp;rsquo; and when we make Tsog offerings we do them collectively, as a group. In this way we accumulate collective karma &#45; we create the cause to progress along the Spiritual Path together. We also accumulate a great deal of merit &#45; positive mental energy &#45; the cause of good fortune.

	During a Tsog puja we arrange a table of food and drinks &#45; making it look as beautiful as we can. We imagine that we are preparing a banquet of delight for the holy beings to enjoy. We then invite the holy beings to the place of offerings and imagine they enjoy this blissful banquet.

	Afterwards, we enjoy the Tsog offerings with our Spiritual friends. These Tsog puja&amp;rsquo;s are a great way to get to know your Spiritual friends and to feel a part of a Spiritual Community.

	Please bring an offering of your own to add to the table &#45; any food or drink that you feel is beautiful. (No meat or alcohol please.)

	Check our calendar for Tsog pujas and please feel free to join in and enjoy. If you like, you can arrive early and help arrange the Tsog offerings.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; 

	Offering to the Spiritual Guide Puja&amp;nbsp; 

	Lama Ch&amp;ouml;pa
	

	A special Guru yoga practice of Je Tsongkhapa&#39;s tradition

	Offering to the Spiritual Guide is a special Guru yoga of Je Tsongkhapa in conjunction with Highest Yoga Tantra. It was compiled by the first Panchen Lama, Losang Ch&amp;ouml;kyi Gyalts&amp;auml;n, as a preliminary practice for Vajrayana Mahamudra. The main practice is relying upon the Spiritual Guide, but it also includes all the essential practices of the stages of the path (Lamrim) and training the mind (Lojong), as well as both the generation stage and completion stage of Highest Yoga Tantra.

	The essence of Guru yoga is to develop a strong conviction that our Spiritual Guide is a Buddha, to make prostrations, offerings, and sincere requests to him or her, and then to receive his or her profound blessings. According to the Guru yoga of Offering to the Spiritual Guide, we develop conviction that our Spiritual Guide is the same nature as Je Tsongkhapa, who is an emanation of the Wisdom Buddha Manjushri.

	By relying upon Je Tsongkhapa, our compassion, wisdom, and spiritual power naturally increase. In particular, because Je Tsongkhapa is an emanation of the Wisdom Buddha Manjushri, his faithful followers never experience difficulty in increasing their wisdom. There are many other benefits from practising Offering to the Spiritual Guide. These are explained in the book Great Treasury of Merit, which contains a complete commentary to the practice.

	These Pujas normally take place on or near the 10th &amp;amp; 25th of the month &#45; please see our calendar for the days and times for this month.&amp;nbsp;

	Melodious Drum Long Protector Puja (Kangso)

	The extensive fulfilling and restoring ritual of the Dharma Protector, the great king Dorje Shugd&amp;auml;n, in conjunction with Mahakala, Kalarupa, Kalindewi, and other Dharma Protectors

	This practice consists of five parts: Praise to Manjushri, the Guru Yoga of Je Tsongkhapa, Self&#45;generation as Heruka, the Fulfilling and Restoring Ritual of the General Protectors, and the Fulfilling and Restoring Ritual of the Great King Dorje Shugd&amp;auml;n. Of these, the last is the principal practice.

	A Dharma Protector is an emanation of a Buddha or a Bodhisattva whose main functions are to avert the inner and outer obstacles that prevent practitioners from gaining spiritual realizations, and to arrange all the necessary conditions for their practice. Beings in this present time have a strong karmic link with Dorje Shugd&amp;auml;n, and so he is the Dharma Protector who is most able to help them. Therefore it is said that, Now is the time to rely upon Dorje Shugd&amp;auml;n. Dorje Shugd&amp;auml;n always helps, guides, and protects pure and faithful practitioners by granting blessings, increasing their wisdom, fulfilling their wishes, and bestowing success on all their virtuous activities.

	There are many brief and middling&#45;length sadhanas of Dorje Shugd&amp;auml;n, such as Heart Jewel and Wishfulfilling Jewel. This extensive sadhana is called Kangso in Tibetan, which means Fulfilling and Restoring Ritual, and it is usually performed once a month in Dharma Centres. During this puja we make extensive offerings and perform other practices:

	To fulfil our heart commitment to rely upon the Protector sincerely, regarding him as inseparable from the Guru and Yidam, and to practise the pure Dharma of Lamrim, Lojong, and Mahamudra

	To restore any degenerate or broken commitments we may have incurred

	We begin the practice with Praise to Manjushri to remember that the Guru and Protector are in reality emanations of the Wisdom Buddha. We then perform the Guru yoga of Je Tsongkhapa and, after dissolving the Guru into our heart, perform self&#45;generation as Heruka. We then invite the general Dharma Protectors such as Mahakala, Kalarupa, and Kalindewi, before beginning the actual sadhana of Dorje Shugd&amp;auml;n. The fulfilling and restoring ritual of the general Protectors is interwoven with the sadhana of Dorje Shugd&amp;auml;n.

	Further information on the Guru yoga of Je Tsongkhapa and on the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugd&amp;auml;n can be found in the book Heart Jewel, and further information on self&#45;generation as Heruka can be found in the book Essence of Vajrayana.

	This Puja normally takes place on or near the 29th of the month &#45; please see our latest calendar for exact day &amp;amp; time.

	

	Green Tara Chanted Prayers

	At Kadampa Centers worldwide, the eighth of the month is Tara Day. Tara is a female Buddha, whose name means Rescuer; she is the embodiment of swift compassion. If we rely upon Tara sincerely and with strong faith, she will protect us from all obstacles and fulfill all our wishes.&amp;nbsp; Everyone is welcome and invited to join us for Tara&#39;s chanted prayer practice,&amp;nbsp;Liberation from Sorrow.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; 

	Please see our calendar for day and time.

	The Sadhanas (prayer booklets) of Kadampa Buddhism:

	All the essential practices of Kadampa Buddhism are included in a series of sadhana booklets prepared by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and published by Tharpa Publications.

	Click on a sadhana for more information:

	Avalokiteshvara Sadhana

	Bodhisattva&amp;rsquo;s Confession of Moral Downfalls

	Condensed Essence of Vajrayana

	Dakini Yoga

	Drop of Essential Nectar

	Essence of Good Fortune

	Essence of Vajrayana

	Feast of Great Bliss

	Great Compassionate Mother

	The Great Mother

	Great Liberation of the Father

	Great Liberation of the Mother

	Heart Jewel

	Heartfelt Prayers

	The Kadampa Way of Life

	Liberating Prayer

	Liberation from Sorrow

	Mahayana Refuge and Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony

	A Meaningful Life

	Medicine Buddha

	Meditation and Recitation of Solitary Vajrasattva

	Melodious Drum

	Modern Day Kadampas

	Offering to the Spiritual Guide

	Path of Compassion for the Deceased

	Pathway to the Pure Land

	Prayers for Long Life

	Prayers for Meditation

	A Pure Life

	Quick Path to Great Bliss

	Treasury of Wisdom

	Vajra Hero Yoga

	The Vows and Commitments

	Wishfulfilling Jewel

	Yoga of Buddha Amitayus

	Yoga of White Tara]]></description>
      <dc:date>2010-02-15T21:20:33+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>International Festivals</title>
      <link>http://www.meditateinla.org/courses/international-festivals</link>
      <description><![CDATA[International Kadampa Festivals are special courses taught by the Founder and Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

	The Festivals include teachings and empowerments from the Spiritual Director, reviews and meditations led by Senior NKT Teachers, chanted meditations and offering ceremonies, and retreats to consolidate and deepen your understanding and experience.

	Open to everyone, these International Festivals are a wonderful opportunity to meet with Buddhist practitioners from all over the world and share experience and understanding with them.
	Three Annual Festivals

	There are three International Festivals each year:

	
		The Spring Festival &amp;ndash; held at Manjushri KMC in UK
	
		The Summer Festival &amp;ndash; held at Manjushri KMC in UK
	
		The Fall Festival &amp;ndash; held at various locations outside the UK
		&amp;nbsp;]]></description>
      <dc:date>2010-02-06T22:15:25+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>National Festivals</title>
      <link>http://www.meditateinla.org/courses/national-festivals</link>
      <description><![CDATA[National Kadampa Festivals are arranged each year in various countries.

	These Festivals are taught by the Deputy Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition, Gen&#45;la Kelsang Kunsang.

	They are a wonderful opportunity for people to get together with fellow practitioners in their country to listen to teachings, practice meditation, and engage in discussion.

	The proceeds from these Festivals are donated to the International Temples Project.]]></description>
      <dc:date>2010-02-05T22:15:00+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Dharma Celebrations</title>
      <link>http://www.meditateinla.org/courses/dharma-celebrations</link>
      <description><![CDATA[National and regional Dharma Celebrations are taught by National Spiritual Directors in various countries each year. Countries in which Kadampa Centers are established have National Spiritual Directors who oversee the spiritual development in the centers in their country, and who give public teachings at large events such as Dharma Celebrations.

	The proceeds from these Dharma Celebrations are donated to the International Temples Project.]]></description>
      <dc:date>2010-02-04T22:15:53+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>What to Expect at a Class</title>
      <link>http://www.meditateinla.org/classes/meditation-in-los-angeles</link>
      <description><![CDATA[About the classes
	
		KMC&#39;s meditation classes are suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators. Everyone is welcome
		
		Most classes run for about an hour to an hour and a half. We meditate sitting on chairs to ensure that everyone is comfortable. There is no physical exercise involved.
	
		The general structure of the class: 
	
		
			
				Simple guided breathing meditation
			
				Practical teaching on how to solve problems in daily life
			
				Second guided meditation on the teaching topic
			
				Brief discussion or Q &amp;amp; A
		
	
	
		After the class everyone is welcome to stay for light refreshments.
	
		Attending the class
	
		The classes are organized as short courses, usually 4&#45;6 weeks long. You can attend the whole course or simply drop in whenever you can, as each class is self&#45;contained..
		
		You do not need to book in advance, simply find a meditation class near you and pay when you arrive. If you would like more information or help, please contact us.
	
		A Buddhist teaching
	
		Below are some short videos of Kadampa Teachers giving typical introductory teachings:
	
		Get the Flash Player to see this player.
 
var so = new SWFObject(&#39;http://kadampa.org/embed/apps/player.swf&#39;,&#39;mpl&#39;,&#39;530&#39;,&#39;420&#39;,&#39;9&#39;);
so.addParam(&#39;allowscriptaccess&#39;,&#39;always&#39;);
so.addParam(&#39;allowfullscreen&#39;,&#39;true&#39;);
so.addParam(&#39;flashvars&#39;,&#39;&amp;file=http://kadampa.org/api/video/playlist/249/&amp;config=http://kadampa.org/embed/config/introductory.xml&amp;wmode=transparent&#39;);
so.write(&#39;api_video&#39;);]]></description>
      <dc:date>2010-01-20T17:12:46+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>General Program (GP)</title>
      <link>http://www.meditateinla.org/courses/general-program</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Meditation for Everyday People

	KMC California offers something for everyone &amp;ndash; whatever your level of interest or experience, you can find a meditation class that suits your needs. The classes provide practical advice for the problems of modern living, such as:
	
	* Stress, worry, anxiety
	* Anger, irritation, frustration
	* Attachment, uncontrolled craving, addiction
	* Relationship difficulties
	* Depression, sadness, low self&#45;esteem
	* Confusion about the purpose of life

	Through learning to meditate and view situations in a fresh light, we can relax our mind and become a positive person who knows how to find happiness and peace from inside.

	click here to see list of upcoming general program classes
	
	The General Program introduces basic Buddhist view, meditation and practice of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition of Atisha and Je Tsongkhapa to help practitioners deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism.

	All the teachings are based on commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
	The General Program is taught at every Kadampa Buddhist Center and is an ideal starting point for those interested to find out more about Buddhism and meditation. The program consists of drop&#45;in classes (evening and lunchtimes), supplemented by optional day courses, weekend courses, and meditation retreats.

	All classes are open to everyone.]]></description>
      <dc:date>2010-01-03T09:28:10+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>


    </channel>
</rss>
